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ADA paratransit certification for individuals who, because of their disability, are unable to use CTA or Pace fixed route transit service for some or all of their trips.

Services Offered

Disability Services • Transportation • Paratransit

Description

The RTA ADA Paratransit Certification Program determines an individual's functional abilities and limitations for using fixed route services to assess their eligibilty for ADA paratransit services. ADA Paratransit is a shared ride, advanced reservation, origin-to-destination service for individuals who because of their disability are unable to use CTA or Pace fixed route transit service for some or all of their trips.

There are three types of ADA paratransit eligibility:
- Unconditional Eligibility: Your disability or health condition always prevents you from using fixed route buses or “L” trains and you qualify for ADA Paratransit service for all of your trips.
- Conditional Eligibility: You are able to use the fixed route buses or “L” trains for some of your trips and qualify for ADA Paratransit service for other trips when your disability or environmental barriers prevent the use of fixed route transit service.
- Temporary Eligibility:You have a health condition or disability that temporarily prevents you from using the fixed route buses or "L" trains.

Service Options

Languages Spoken

Eligibility

Payment

Population

How to Apply

Call 312-663-4357 to request an application. Applications can only be sent via standard mail and take approximately 5 - 7 business days to arrive. Applications are available in:

English

Spanish

Large Print English

Braille

Audiotape

Once you have filled out as much of the application as you can, call the RTA's ADA Paratransit Certification program at 312-663-4357 to schedule an in-person interview at one of five Interview and Assessment sites. If needed, RTA will provide transportation to the interview and the services of an American Sign Language or Spanish interpreter at no charge. Please bring your completed application and a photo ID to the interview. You may also bring additional information about your disability or health condition, but this is not required.

During the interview, staff will review your application form and if necessary, help you complete it. Staff will also discuss with you your travel abilities and limitations in more detail. You may be asked to take a "mock" bus trip. This will take about 30 to 45 minutes and will give a better idea of your travel abilities and limitations. Please dress for the weather as you may be asked to go outside.

A decision will be made on the application within 21 days after the interview and assessment. If a decision is not made within 21 days, RTA will provide you with ADA Paratransit service until a final decision is made. You will be notified of your eligibility by letter.

If you are determined to be eligible for ADA Paratransit for some or all of your trips, you will receive a Certification Letter, a Customer Guide with information about how to use the service, and a photo ID card. If you are not determined to be eligible, you may appeal the decision.